After the award of the World Ballon d’Orattention now turns to the prestigious African Ballon d’Or 2024who will designate the best African player of the year during the ceremony December 16 has Marrakech.
As this major event approaches for fans of African Football, the editorial staff of Foot Africa selected five favorites from the dix candidates nominated by the Confederation of African Football (CAF)although some absences were surprising.
5. Chancel Mbemba
The charismatic captain of the DR Congo, Chancel Mbemba, took the Leopards to the semi-finals of the last CAN, a first since 2015. Solid defender and decisive scorer in the quarter against Guinea, he also reached the semi-finals of the Europa League with Marseille.
However, a lackluster end to the season and his recent sidelining at OM could compromise his chances for the holy grail.
4. Ronwen Williams
Best goalkeeper of the last African Cup of Nations and finalist for the Yachine Trophy of France Football, the talented South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams distinguished himself with four clean sheets and numerous crucial penalty saves: Four penalties during the session of penalties against Cape Verde in the quarterfinals and two against the DRC in the classification match.
Also winner of the first edition of the African Football League with Mamelodi Sundowns, Williams has made his mark over the last twelve months.
3. Simon Adingra
Great revelation of the Elephants, the young prodigy Simon Adingra was chosen by CAF for his performance in the CAN final where his assists and his dynamism made the difference.
At only 22 years old, the African champion, the only representative of Ivory Coast in the list of nominees, was also elected best young person of the CAN. However, his recent inconsistent performances at Brighton could keep him away from the title unless the CAF decides otherwise.
2. Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman, the only African among those nominated for the World Ballon d’Or, shone with three goals during the CAN and a Europa League title with Atalanta. The gifted Nigerian notably scored a memorable hat-trick in the final of the competition against Leverkusen (3-0).
With a brilliant career at club and national level, the finalist of the last African Cup of Nations is undoubtedly a serious candidate.
1. Serhou Guirassy
Considered by many as the big favorite, Serhou Guirassy has established himself this year as one of the most formidable African attackers. His exceptional season, marked by 19 goals scored between Stuttgart and his new club, Borussia Dortmund, made him an essential player on European fields. With a brilliant debut in the Bundesliga, he had a string of impressive performances, even setting goalscoring records for a good part of the season, before being narrowly beaten by Harry Kane.
On the international scene, Guirassy was however hampered by injuries during the CAN, limiting his impact with the Guinean selection. Despite this, he remained the top scorer in CAN 2025 qualifying, scoring five goals in just two matches.
Guirassy remains a symbol of consistency and talent for African football, and seems ready to conquer the prestigious CAF trophy.
Also read: >> TOP 10: The African players most nominated for the Ballon d’Or!
